Winifred Burd's Obituary
Winifred Ellen Burd passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Stafholt in Blaine on March 16, 2019 at the age of 97. Predeceased by husband Donald F. Burd, she leaves behind her two children, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Winifred was born in Greely Co. On May 10, 1921 to John and Lora Leffler, second of four siblings. She had great respect for her older brother Kenneth, and adored her younger brother and sister, Jim and Wanda. Together the family experienced both the great depression of 1929 and the dust bowl of 1934-1940. Farm devastated by drought and seeking opportunity, John moved the family to Oregon where Winifred’s future husband, Donald, met her older brother Kenneth. At that time Winifred had earned her BAEd from Central WA College in Ellensburg, and was teaching school in Ontario, Ore. Later, when both men were serving their country during WWII, a chance meeting with Donald’s mother in Ontario put Winifred and Donald in touch as pen-pals, with the idea that Winifred would in turn put Don in touch with his friend Kenneth. A long distance romance blossomed, and Winifred married Don on April 13, 1951 in Tacoma WA.
Winifred went on to teach elementary school in Tacoma, and Puyallup. The couple were charter members of the South Lakeshore Christian Church in Tacoma and were both active in church life. Winifred retired from teaching in 1979 and enjoyed many years of RV-ing with Don. Their goal was to travel to every state of the Union and she enjoyed collecting souvenir pins from their travels. Winifred was especially known for her sunny disposition and positive attitude. During the 70’s she had a large collection of happy face items, and her home in Puyallup became a local landmark for the large happy face placed on the outside by her family for her. Winifred touched many lives and she will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to
https://readingpartners.org/
Reading Partners (Washington District)
180 Grand Ave. Suite 800 Oakland, CA 94612
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